Cybertruck bomber Matthew Livelsberger expressed fears that he was being "followed" in an email he sent before his death, although law enforcement says that was not the case.
Livelsberger, 37, had sought help for depression and reportedly was on the verge of getting divorced when he shot himself while sitting in a Tesla Cybertruck New Year's Day in front of Present-Elect Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.
Police have backed away from the idea that the explosion was meant to be an act of terrorism, instead focusing on Livelsberger's struggles.
"Although this incident is more public and more sensational than usual, it ultimately appears to be a tragic case of suicide involving a heavily decorated combat veteran who is struggling with PTSD and other issues," FBI agent Spencer Evans said, according to Military.com.
Livelsberger sent an email to Intelligence Officer Sam Shoemate, who in turn shared it on the popular podcast, "The Shawn Ryan Show" on Dec. 31.
The podcast focuses on the military community. The FBI has confirmed the authenticity of the email.
"I've been followed for over a week now from likely homeland or FBI, and they are looking to move on me and are unlikely going to let me cross into Mexico," the email states, the FBI confirmed. "I've been trying to maintain a very visible profile and have kept my phone and they are definitely digitally tracking me."
The email also discusses some of Livelsberger's missions in Afghanistan, citing civilian death incidents. "I have knowledge of this program and also war crimes that were covered up during airstrikes in Nimruz province Afghanistan in 2019 by the admin, DoD, DEA and CIA. I conducted targeting for these strikes of over 125 buildings (65 were struck because of CIVCAS) that killed hundreds of civilians in a single day," the email reads.
Despite his fears of being followed, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill told reporters that Livelsberger was not under surveillance. "I want to make it clear that our suspect in this case has never had a criminal history nor was he on the radar of the FBI or the LVMPD prior to this bombing."
In a note released as part of the investigation, Livelsberger states the explosion is not meant to be a terrorist attack but a wake-up call. "Americans only pay attention to spectacles and violence. What better way to get my point across than a stunt with fireworks and explosives?" the note states. "Why did I personally do it now? I need to cleanse my mind of the brothers I've lost and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took."
The note states that Livelsberger had no intention of killing any one other than himself. Seven people suffered minor injuries in the incident.
The vehicle had been rented in Colorado and was loaded with fireworks and gas cannisters. Livelseberger also used ChatGPT to plan his suicide and the explosion. Police said that Livelsberger queries were about explosives, firearms and buying a cell phone without providing private, personal information, CNN reported.
"Our models are designed to refuse harmful instructions and minimize harmful content. In this case, ChatGPT responded with information already publicly available on the internet and provided warnings against harmful or illegal activities. We're working with law enforcement to support their investigation," CNN quoted an OpenAI spokesperson said.
